Manchester United will be staying in Europe for pre-season 2026.
After three consecutive seasons in the USA, Manchester United will be staying more local for pre-season 2026.
It is a welcome change, and it makes a lot of sense considering so many players will face busy summers already with the World Cup.
United will face Wrexham, Rosenborg, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds and AC Milan.
These six fixtures will be held across a four-week period, played in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Ireland and Poland.
Travel to five separate countries is not perfect, but they are short flights with minimal time zone disruption. It is better than the long haul trips across the Atlantic or to Asia.
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Manchester United’s pre-season players
While the World Cup squads have not been confirmed yet, we can take an educated swing at working out which players will likely be involved; and how this impacts United.
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The first game with Wrexham takes place one day before the World Cup Final. It is likely that most players who feature at the tournament at any stage won’t link up until the start of August.
Let’s go position by position and look at where the squad gaps are for the first game, and where opportunities for young players or new signings may emerge.
Goalkeeper
Unavailable: Senne Lammens, Altay Bayindir
If Tom Heaton signs a new deal then he will be back. But it could be youngster Radek Vitek who gets an opportunity in United’s first pre-season game.
Right-back
Unavailable: Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui
United will have an early dilemma at right-back with two preferred stars on World Cup duty. Portugal and Morocco are both expected to go far.
This could present a great opportunity for an academy talent, possibly James Overy, Jaydan Kamason, or even Yuel Helafu.
Leny Yoro during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Centre-back
Unavailable: Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire (?)
United could be spoiled for choice at centre-back. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven will both be available, while we are not expecting Matthijs de Ligt to go to the World Cup either after his injury problems. If Harry Maguire signs a new deal, he could even be available if he misses out on the England squad.
Left-back
Unavailable: N/A
Luke Shaw is unlikely to go to the World Cup and will likely have a leadership role in pre-season. United will also have Patrick Dorgu at the position too. Harry Amass and Diego Leon will provide an overload of options.
Centre-midfield
Unavailable: Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte
Don’t forget Casemiro will also be gone too. There is a major opportunity here for a new signing to have an early impact, if they are not at the World Cup.
We are more likely to see youngsters involved. The Fletcher twins, Jacob Devaney, Sekou Kone, Jim Thwaites and even new signing Cristian Orozco will be trying to make an early impact.
Attacking midfield
Unavailable: Bruno Fernandes
United’s first pre-season game could see Mason Mount starting. Joshua Zirkzee may also be available if he has not yet been sold. Look out for youngster JJ Gabriel, who is expected to play a part in pre-season as he starts to take steps towards the first team.
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Left-wing
Unavailable: Matheus Cunha
Pre-season will provide a chance for Patrick Dorgu to really stake his claim for a starting spot on the left, with Denmark failing to qualify. JJ Gabriel could also feature here, and also keep an eye out for rising academy star Noah Ajayi.
Bryan Mbeumo with arms outstretched in Manchester United kit.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Right-wing
Unavailable: Amad
We would expect Bryan Mbeumo to start on the right, with Cameroon failing to qualify for the World Cup. Also keep an eye on Shea Lacey, this could be his chance to shine.
Striker
Unavailable: N/A
Benjamin Sesko will have a chance to start in pre-season. Mbeumo could also chip in up front too. Another alternative is Chido Obi, while youngsters Gabriele Biancheri and Louie Bradbury will also hope for opportunities.
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